‘80 pc issues in J&K, NE, Maoist-hit areas under control’
Eliminating cyber-terrorism, drug-free India priorities

JAMMU, Feb 16: Union Home Minister Amit Shah today asserted that Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East would be free from terrorism and insurgency by 2029, while the country is set to eliminate Maoist violence by March 31, 2026.

Addressing the 79th Raising Day celebrations of Delhi Police in New Delhi, Shah said the country’s internal security scenario has witnessed a dramatic transformation over the past decade.

“I can assure the countrymen that J&K and North-East would be free of violence by 2029,” the Home Minister declared, adding that the Government is committed to building an impregnable security grid across the nation.

80 Percent Challenges Under Control

Shah noted that prior to 2014, India’s internal security faced significant challenges, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, the North-East, and Maoist-affected regions. However, he claimed that nearly 80 percent of these issues have now been brought under control.

Referring to the abrogation of Article 370, he said the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has been steadily improving since the constitutional change. According to him, peace initiatives in the North-East have yielded notable success, with nearly 20 peace accords signed and more than 10,000 insurgents laying down arms to join the mainstream.

“The country will be free from Maoist threats by March 31, 2026,” Shah reiterated.

Focus on Cyber-Terrorism and Drug-Free India

Highlighting future priorities, Shah said the Centre is focusing on eliminating cyber-terrorism, dismantling organized crime networks, and making India drug-free. He emphasized the need for modern technology-driven security systems to counter emerging threats.

The Home Minister revealed that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) plans to establish a nationwide CCTV surveillance network to create a new security architecture. Strengthening border security to prevent infiltration remains a key objective.

“The entire focus of the MHA will remain on modernising the security system at every land border, making the nation free from infiltrators, and ensuring full implementation of the three new Nyay Samhitas,” he said.

Praise for Delhi Police

Lauding the Delhi Police for maintaining high security standards in the national capital, Shah commended the force for handling complex cases, including the Parliament attack and the recent blast near the Red Fort area.

He also laid the foundation stones for several infrastructure projects, including an integrated headquarters for the Special Cell of the Delhi Police. Additionally, he inaugurated the first phase of the Safe City Project, which features a modern command and control centre connected to 21,000 CCTV cameras, with 10,000 already operational.

Shah expressed confidence that the Safe City Project would significantly enhance security arrangements in the capital in the coming years.

Calling the last 12 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “golden era” for internal security, Shah asserted that India is moving towards a future of sustained peace, stability, and strong national security.